J&J Gaming finalizes acquisition of Leisure Gaming, adding 10 truck-stop casinos to portfolio

Distributed gaming operator J&J Gaming has announced the completion of its acquisition of Nevada-based Leisure Gaming, an operator of 10 nonrestricted casinos primarily located at truck stops. The deal was finalized following approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission in November and marks a major expansion for J&J Gaming and its subsidiary, Golden Route Operations (GRO).

The acquisition increases J&J Gaming’s operational scale to more than 11,000 gaming terminals across Nevada and Montana. With a portfolio that serves 3,600 locations across the United States, J&J Gaming, headquartered in Illinois, is a key player in the distributed gaming industry. The company is majority-owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, a Southern California-based private equity firm.

In a statement, J&J Gaming CEO Robert Willenborg emphasized the synergy between the two companies. “With this acquisition, we are better positioned to provide our local and national customers with the excellence in service that J&J Gaming is known for,” he said.

Leisure Gaming’s Vice President of Operations, Ryan Albright, stated: “With the strength and support of an industry leader like J&J Gaming, we are confident this partnership will bring new opportunities, growth, and innovation to our customers and team members."

Golden Route Operations, which had previously expanded its footprint by acquiring distributed gaming businesses in Montana in 2023, now integrates Leisure Gaming’s casino operations into its platform. The newly acquired properties will complement J&J Gaming’s offerings, which span restaurants, bars, taverns, convenience stores, and truck stops.

Oaktree Capital Management, which owns J&J Gaming, has played a major role in expanding its gaming portfolio. The firm also owns the Casablanca Resort and Virgin River Hotel & Casino in Mesquite, Nevada. Since acquiring these properties in 2023, Oaktree has invested millions into renovations, including $6 million for new slot machines and a remodeled casino floor at the Casablanca Resort.

Leisure Gaming launched in 1993 with its Pilot Casino in Fernley and has since grown to operate nine additional properties across Nevada, amassing over 640 slot machines.